Weatherwise, December 2023…We’ll have an updated Drought report, a wrap up of the 2023 Hurricane Season in the Atlantic Basin, we take another look at the coming winter weather and we’ll have a refresher course in the different types of winter precipitation.
Weatherwise, December 2023…We’ll have an updated Drought report, a wrap up of the 2023 Hurricane Season in the Atlantic Basin, we take another look at the coming winter weather and we’ll have a refresher course in the different types of winter precipitation.
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News Maker Casey Hollins of REC on cutting winter energy costs
Scott Bradley speaks with the Newsmaker Casey Hollins of the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative about how to save money on your electric bill as the temperatures drop.
She provides a few tips like removing window a/c units and checking for gaps in windows.
Casey also shares the resources REC members can contact if they fall behind on payments during this difficult economy.
Click here for Casey’s News Maker.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Are you prepared for winter weather?
Days are getting shorter and colder temperatures are moving in.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offer safety tips during winter travel and recommends keeping an emergency supply kit in the vehicle this winter to stay safe.Â
VDOT encourages all motorist to plan ahead for traveling during winter weather and to observe extreme caution when on the roadways.
Before travel, motorists should inspect their vehicle tires and fluid levels and clear all ice and snow from the windows, windshield and mirrors, which could block visibility.
You should also follow forecasts and prepare for any unpredictable conditions.Â
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT Mobilizing for Winter Weather
 The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is mobilizing its equipment and resources in preparation for a winter weather event to impact parts of the Commonwealth Wednesday night into Thursday.
Incoming rain throughout Virginia is forecasted to shift to sleet and freezing rain in the northern, northwestern, and central areas of the Commonwealth beginning around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14 and going through the morning of Thursday, Dec. 15. This weather event is expected to impact VDOT’s Staunton, Salem, Culpeper, Northern Virginia and Lynchburg districts.
VDOT is paying close attention to the forecast and preparing for what could be a significant icing event. District crews will not apply liquid pretreatment to roads in areas where the event is forecasted to start as rain, which will wash away the pretreatment application. Crews are preparing equipment and will be ready to treat roadways with salt, sand and abrasives as precipitation transitions to sleet or freezing rain.
Motorists should pay attention to weather forecasts in areas where they plan to drive and delay travel on Thursday morning in the impacted areas, especially along the I-81 corridor, Culpeper and Northern Virginia regions.
Safety and Travel Resources
When winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions.
Prior to travel, motorists should visit 511virginia.org, call 511 or check the 511 Virginia
mobile app for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions.
Visit VDOT’s winter weather page for more information about winter weather preparations and response.
For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, the public should contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
Statewide Improvements for the 2022-2023 Season
In addition to its traditional year-round snow preparation, VDOT made improvements to address items from the Snow Removal and I-95 Incident Performance Audits by the State Inspector General and the Winter Weather Event and I-95 Interagency After-Action Report by CNA:
Improved contracting to be more flexible, competitive and attractive to contractors to address equipment and personnel shortages.
Improved communications and command structure for better internal and interagency cooperation during crisis events.
Assigned staff to drive routes and report on conditions to supplement traffic cameras.
Acquired a system to allow two-way communications between drivers and VDOT within a defined geographic area.
Continued participation in winter weather exercises, led by The Virginia Department of Emergency Management, to foster interagency cooperation.
Resources and Readiness
In addition to operational improvements, VDOT maintains a number of resources to contend with inclement weather.
$220 million statewide budgeted for winter weather in 2022-2023
11,493 pieces of equipment (VDOT-owned and contracted equipment combined, as of Nov. 30)
Approximately 1,148 vehicle contracts in process, and is continuing to receive additional contract bids (as of Nov. 30)
More than 696,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasives, and more than 2.3 million gallons of liquid calcium chloride and salt brine.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT responds to winter weather
VDOT’s crews are working to keep roadways clear through the snowstorm.
Snowfall and strong winds will affect visibility.
Below freezing temperatures will create icey patches that may last throughout the weekend.
Wind and ice accumulation may result in branches or trees falling into roadways.
Crews will be ready in impacted areas to start plowing if needed and spreading sand and salt to increase traction.
If possible, avoid traveling until precipitation stops but if you must travel, check 511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions before you leave.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT prepares for winter weather
VDOT began treating roads on Friday for the snowfall expected to begin tonight and into Sunday morning.
VDOT’s crews as well as contractors are ready to plow and continue treatment as soon as the snow begins.
Interstates and primary roads will be treated first then secondary roads and subdivisions.
Residents should avoid traveling during the snowfall if possible.
Check 511Virginia.org or the 511 app for roadway updates.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT continues to treat our roads and can use our help
An email from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) confirms that roads are being treated until they are safe and clear of snow and ice.
As of 4 a.m. main roads were already listed as in minor condition.
Minor condition means that patches of ice may still exist.
Secondary roads are the main concern currently and are listed as in moderate conditions.
Moderate means there is more snow and ice covering some portions of the road.
VDOT is asking that you not park on the side or secondary roads so a more thorough job can be preformed on those roads.
The high winds can also cause the snow to drift and cause slick spots across roads as well which is something to be aware of when traveling.
Up to the minute information so you will know before you go is found at 511virginia.org.
You may not have to go with all the latest closings and cancellations found here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT continues to treat the roads and the situation on I-95
An email from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) shows that they continue to treat roads in the state.
VDOT along with state authorities are asking that you travel after the temperatures rise well above freezing if you can.
According to the va511.org website additional support has been called in to help motorist that have been stranded on Interstate 95 (I-95) near Fredericksburg since Monday morning.
The stoppage of traffic was caused by a 16 vehicle accident on I-95 early Monday morning.
Removing snow, trees and vehicles as well as assisting motorist is being done as quickly and safely as possible.
You can stay informed on the opening of I-95 along with the latest state road information at va511.org.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Weatherwise, Ep 4, December 2021
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